
GCSD Magnet Connections

GCSD Magnet Connections
December 3, 2024
MSAP Grant Objectives
- To implement high quality magnet programs that increase choice and promote diversity by reducing and preventing further minority group isolation in Carvers Bay schools.
- To develop and deliver innovative theme-based curriculum at each magnet school that strengthens student knowledge in academic subjects and provides all students enrolled in Carvers Bay schools the opportunity to improve academic achievement, meet challenging State academic standards, and achieve postsecondary success.
- To implement evidence-based interventions at each magnet school in the Carvers Bay attendance area through enhanced partner engagement that ensures all students have equitable access to high quality education and engaging learning environments.
- To increase the capacity of magnet school administrators and teachers to deliver an academically rigorous, theme-based curriculum that is sustainable.
Upcoming Student Showcases
Tuesday, December 17th: BFES Student Showcase 5:00
Wednesday, December 18th: CBMSA Student Showcase 1:30
Friday, January 17th: PHESA Student Showcase 8:30
AVID news for November focuses on Phase 4 of the Focused Note-Taking process, reflection.
The Power of Reflection: Maximizing the Impact of Student Notes
AVID emphasizes taking notes and the crucial step that follows—reflecting on them. Reflection isn’t just about students reviewing what they have written; it’s about having them engage with their notes to deepen their understanding and set the stage for action. Reflection helps students identify key themes, connections, and areas that need further exploration. Reflection also leads to more effective follow-up, whether revisiting a concept, completing assignments, or engaging in group discussions. Incorporating time for student note reflection ensures they capture and use information to enhance their learning and growth…review, reflect, and take action to deepen understanding!
Click and explore a few essential FNT Reflection resources.
AVID Resources for Focused Note-Taking Reflection
Guided Reflection vs. Applying Learning
Want to take your student’s learning to the next level? Reflection and Applying Learning with Student Choice
For students to grow, they must process, reflect upon, and apply their learning. Teaching note-taking to students goes beyond format. Knowing and using best practices is how students learn to take organized notes that they can revisit again and again. How are you incorporating time in your lessons for them to REFLECT on their learning so they can grow?
Magnet Schools AVID Portal
Brown's Ferry Elementary School for the Creative and Performing Arts
Magnet School Spotlight: Creativity, Collaboration, and Culture!
This month has been non stop excitement at our school! From professional development to student performances, we’ve been making big moves and celebrating creativity at every turn. Here's a glimpse of the great things happening:
🎶 Teacher Training with ArtsNOW
We kicked off the month with professional development from ArtsNOW, led by the amazing Dr. Maribeth. Teachers explored how to incorporate music into their curriculum, sparking new ways to engage students. It was an eye-opening and inspiring session that’s already making waves in our classrooms!
🎮 Minecraft Education Takes Off
Thanks to a visit from Mrs. Campbell and Promise Consulting, our upper elementary teachers are diving into Minecraft Education! They’re creating lessons that will transform learning into interactive, student-centered adventures. Stay tuned for some epic creations from our students!
🌟 Students Shine in the Spotlight
We’re bursting with pride over our students’ roles in the Swamp Fox Theater's Junior Production of Snow White and the Seven Entrepreneurs!
Elizabeth Yokwe dazzled as the Magic Mirror.
Lauren Holmes charmed as one of the Seven Fairies.
Their hard work and talent wowed audiences, and we couldn’t be prouder of their success!
🌍 Living Rhythms Residency
The month ended on a high note with a 5-day residency from Living Rhythms, where students immersed themselves in African history and culture through the art of African drumming. The experience culminated in a powerful performance by our fifth graders, showcasing their rhythm, teamwork, and newfound appreciation for African traditions. It was truly unforgettable! Check out our facebook page to see our Bengals in action!
Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy
Kinders Creating a Putt-Putt Blueprint!
Putt-Putt Blueprints!
1st Graders Coding Sounds with Makey Makey!
2nd Grade Studies Matter and Creates CO2
2nd Grade Studies Matter and Creates CO2
PHESA has been buzzing with activity this November, bringing a whirlwind of impactful initiatives and community events. From collaborative projects to innovative breakthroughs, it's been a month of progress and connection.
Kindergarteners recently took on the exciting challenge of drawing their very first blueprints, inspired by a visit to a putt-putt course in Murrell's Inlet. Using their newfound knowledge, they designed their own creative mini-golf holes, turning their ideas into plans. This hands-on project helped them make real-world connections while exploring design and problem-solving.
First graders took on the challenge of designing innovative tools for communication. Using Makey Makey, they discovered how to create sound-based communication devices with playdough. This hands-on exploration sparked creativity and introduced them to the exciting possibilities of technology!
Second graders have been exploring objects made of different states of matter and learning to explain the properties of each. As part of their studies, they conducted an experiment to see if they could create a gas. With many "aha" moments, they discovered they had made carbon dioxide—better known as CO2!
Third graders are tackling the exciting challenge of building houses designed to withstand the elements of their chosen biomes. Armed with research and creativity, they brought their ideas to life by drawing detailed blueprints. The real fun began as they used Legos to construct their innovative and sturdy designs!
Fourth graders were thrilled to be the first class to enjoy a salad grown entirely in their classroom hydroponic garden. Through this hands-on experience, they’re learning about sustainability and how growing their own food can meet their needs. It’s a tasty and educational step toward a greener future!
Fifth graders are diving into the history of the CCC while researching national parks it helped create. Each pair of students selected a park to study and are bringing it to life by building it in Minecraft. To guide their work, they even created their own rubric for both research and design, blending creativity and critical thinking!
November Club Spotlight - 4H Club
Our 4H club shined brightly at the Eastern Carolina Agricultural Fair, earning an incredible 26 ribbons for their amazing creations! The members’ hard work and creativity wowed the judges, making this achievement even more special. What an exciting celebration of talent and dedication!
3rd Grade: Research, Innovation, and Creativity
Biomes and Designing Blueprints
3rd Grade: Research, Innovation, and Creativity
Biomes and Designing Blueprints
4th Grade Growing Food with Hydroponics
Learning about Sustainability!
Checkout the lettuce 4th grade grew using hydroponics!
5th Grade Exploring the CCC and Ecosystems with Minecraft
5th Grade Rubric with Essential Question
5th Grade Exploring the CCC and Ecosystems with Minecraft
Club Spotlight: 4H Brings Home 26 Ribbons!
Club Spotlight: 4H Brings Home 26 Ribbons!
Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion School
Where Learning and Technology Unite!
Preparing every student academically, socially and emotionally to be creative leaders in a global society.
Honoring Our Veterans
The event was a heartfelt tribute to our veterans, featuring a special breakfast in their honor and a poignant missing man display that served to remind everyone of those who have served and are no longer with us. Additionally, the afterschool choir contributed to the ceremony by singing a moving song, adding an extra layer of appreciation and respect for the sacrifices made by these brave individuals.
Problem Solving Solutions
Students work together as a team to figure out the correct path for the Indi robot, using color coding as a guide. By discussing and sharing ideas, they engage in problem-solving activities that help them understand how to direct the robot based on the colors they see. This collaborative effort encourages teamwork and critical thinking as they explore the best route for the Indi robot to follow.
3rd Graders Problem Solving and Coding
Third graders engaged in a fun and collaborative project using LEGO Prime Builder, where they formed teams to code a robot. The primary objective of this activity was to successfully make the robot move. By participating in this hands-on experience, the students not only learned the basics of programming but also developed important skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. This project allowed them to apply their creativity and see their coding efforts come to life as the robot responded to their commands.
Drones: A new PEDIS Adventure
Students engage in problem-solving activities using drones, applying their knowledge and skills to tackle various challenges. By flying drones, they explore concepts of technology, engineering, and teamwork, enhancing their learning experience and developing critical thinking abilities. This hands-on approach encourages creativity and innovation as students work collaboratively to find solutions in real-world scenarios.
Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy
WICOR in Acton!
In November, Ms. Johnson's 6th grade Science class participated in a scavenger hunt designed to explore and understand air masses and weather fronts as they began a new unit. The goal for her students was to examine and interpret data to demonstrate how the movements and intricate relationships of air masses lead to variations in weather conditions.
4H Club “State Winners”
I'm thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of the Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy 4-H Club! They recently received state recognition for their outstanding work at the Eastern Carolina Agricultural Fair, securing 1st Place in the "Pumpkin Decorating" contest and 2nd Place in the "Pollinator" poster contest. This exemplifies the importance of nurturing creativity and environmental awareness among our youth. Congratulations to all the students involved!
Carvers Bay High Early College and Career High School
AVID Elective Students - College Response Letters
We are so excited about the responses received from our college interest letters! We have heard back from various colleges who sent pennants, stickers, ink pens and catalogs!
Lego Spike Prime Robots with the State Department
Mr. Kevin Little from the State Department of Education came to visit and share coding basics with the AVID Elective students. Students were engaged and enjoyed making the robots dance and the cars move all around the room.
AVID Elective Tutorials are Underway!
The AVID 1 students are starting their AVID Tutorials with seniors from Mr. Enoch’s JAG class. They are coming in to assist them with difficulties they are experiencing in their classes. AVID students are using inquiry, collaboration, and problem solving to narrow down their issues so they can be successful in all of their classes.
Guest Speakers Share Knowledge and Experiences
Our guest speakers for this month were Santee Cooper employees, Krystal Davis, Computer Scientist and Christopher Burrage, Mechanical Engineer. Also, our very own Nurse Green came in to share about her nursing career.
Santee Electric Bright Ideas Grant Received
CBECCHS received $1,000 from the SEC Bright Ideas Grant to assist with our STEM initiatives which includes drone training for our AVID Elective Students. Many thanks to Ms. McCullough for spearheading this opportunity!
Toys for Tots With AVID…..
Every child deserves a toy at Christmas! Our Toys for Tots Drive with MCJROTC is up and running with unwrapped toys and books being donated to be given to underprivileged children in our community. We are accepting toys until December 6th, so please assist and bless our children.
Unlocking Potential: Dive into the World of Magnet Schools
Follow Us!
Brown's Ferry Elementary for the Creative and Performing Arts
Facebook: Browns Ferry Elementary School for Creative and Performing Arts
X (Twitter): @bfebengals
Instagram: @brownsferryelementary
Plantersville Digital Immersion School
Facebook: Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion School
X (Twitter): @PEDISRAMS
Pleasant Hill STREAM Academy:
Facebook: Pleasant Hill Elementary Stream Academy
Instagram: pleasanthillcubs
Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School
Facebook: Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School
X (Twitter): @CBECCH_Bears
Carvers Bay STEAM Academy
Facebook: Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy
X (Twitter): @CarversbaySTEAM
Instagram: carversbaymiddlesteamacademy
Deanna Stone
X: @stone_stone67
Your MSAP Team
Deanna Stone
GCSD MSAP Magnet Director
843-436-7121
Jim Griffin
MSAP Accountant
843-436-7047
Dr. Jill Holt
MSAP AVID Coordinator
843-436-7023